Modulatory Effect of Prosopis juliflora Leaves on Hepatic Fibrogenic and Fibrolytic Alterations Induced in Rats by Thioacetamide

Abstract

This study investigated the antifibrotic effect of Prosopis juliflora leaves crude methanolic extract (PJEL) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. The phytochemical analysis of PJEL was performed via HPLC/MS in association with evaluating its free radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities. The antifibrotic activity of PJEL was assessed by dividing Wistar rats into 8 groups: normal control, PJEL1-administered rats (2 mg/ Kg b.w.), PJEL2-administered rats (4 mg/ Kg b.w.), PJEL3-administered rats (8 mg/Kg b.w.), TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, TTA+PJEL1, TAA+PJEL2, and TAA+PJEL3. Results indicated that PJEL crude methanolic extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds and alkaloids. PJEL exerted free radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 123.5 μg/mL and cytotoxic activity against a well-differentiated hepatocellular cell line (IC50=11.1μg/mL). PJEL at a dose of 4mg/Kg b.w. ameliorated serum ALT activity and improved serum albumin level and hepatic hydroxyproline content in association with a reduction in the fibrosis stage. PJEL elevated hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 contents with less necrosis grade. PJEL post-therapy ameliorated the relative expression of Bcl-2, Col1A1, Mmp-9, and Mmp-2 genes in liver. Conclusion: PJEL possesses a good therapeutic activity against TAA-induced liver fibrosis via enhancing extracellular matrix removal and stimulating hepatic regeneration to decrease hepatic necrosis.